Ethiopia strengthens strategic alliances at BRICS Summit through high-level diplomatic engagements – FM Gedion

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a series of high-level diplomatic engagements with leaders of key partner nations on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, according to Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos (PhD).

In a briefing to media, Minister Gedion stated that these discussions played a pivotal role in deepening bilateral relations, enhancing mutual understanding, and securing support for Ethiopia’s national development priorities and foreign policy positions.

While attending the summit—held under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”—Prime Minister Abiy also delivered remarks during the opening plenary session on peace, security, and global governance.

On the margins of the summit, Prime Minister Abiy met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

According to Mr. Gedion, the discussion provided an important platform to explore mechanisms for expanding bilateral cooperation, while also offering President Lula a clearer understanding of Ethiopia’s domestic reforms, strategic direction, and the regional context in the Horn of Africa.

In a separate meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the two leaders reaffirmed the strength of Ethiopia–China relations.

Their talks focused on enhancing China’s continued role in Ethiopia’s economic development and acknowledged Beijing’s contribution to Ethiopia’s debt relief process under the Paris Club framework.

The two sides also discussed avenues to expand Ethiopia’s access to the Chinese market, particularly through duty-free export privileges China is extending to African countries.

Gedion emphasized that this opportunity could significantly boost Ethiopia’s trade competitiveness.

Prime Minister Abiy also held a diplomatic exchange with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Their discussion, Gedion noted, revisited President Ramaphosa’s previous leadership as Chairperson of the African Union, particularly his supportive role in GERD-related diplomacy.

The talks covered the current status of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and progress toward its final phases.

Gedion further underlined that Ethiopia sees strategic value in learning from and partnering with countries like Brazil, China, and South Africa. He noted that technology transfer, investment cooperation, and knowledge exchange remain central to Ethiopia’s foreign policy engagements at multilateral forums like BRICS.

“These high-level talks demonstrate Ethiopia’s proactive approach to diplomacy and economic cooperation,” the Foreign Minister remarked, adding that the engagements reflect the country’s broader vision of South–South solidarity and inclusive global partnerships.

The 17th BRICS Summit, held from July 6–7, brought together leaders and representatives from BRICS member and partner states to deliberate on key issues including global governance reform, sustainable development, trade, digital transformation, and climate resilience.